This year has been no shortage of great shows in Houston. From Waitress, Das Barbecü, Agatha Christie's The Mirror Crack'd, American Psycho: The Musical, and much more, our city's theater scene thrives. I've also noticed a pattern: the book to movie to stage pipeline. Most recently for example, The Da Vinci Code is now showing at Alley Theatre.

While obviously not a new phenomenon, it's fascinating to think about what it means for storytelling. Books get adapted into blockbuster movies, which then find new life on stage. It's like these stories are constantly evolving, taking on different forms depending on the medium.

What makes theater adaptations compelling to me is how they strip away the cinematic bells and whistles and bring everything back to its core: the story, the characters, the emotional resonance. You're not watching CGI magic or quick editing; you're witnessing humans performing in real time, right in front of you. That vulnerability and immediacy creates a connection that we’re yearning for, yet it’s hard to replicate.

@onthehousehtx

Da Vinci Code is now playing at Alley Theatre through Oct 19!! #thingstodoinhouston #explorehouston #davincicode #explorehouston #houstontheatre

The success of these adaptations also speaks to Houston's appetite for diverse storytelling. We're not just a sports city or an oil city–we're a city that shows up for art, for culture, for the stories that move us.

So here's our question: What book would you want to see adapted for the stage? Hit reply and let us know. Would it be a sweeping fantasy epic, a gripping thriller turned musical, or maybe that contemporary novel that made you ugly cry on the couch? We want to hear what stories you think deserve the spotlight treatment.

This week’s coffee is on us! That means five readers will receive a $10 gift card to Jo’s Coffee. All you have to do is open today’s issue and you’ll be entered to win.

Winners will be randomly selected and emailed tomorrow morning.

Want to sponsor a future issue and treat readers to a local coffee spot on you? Hit reply.

LATELY IN HOUSTON

A trip down Ramen Alley… New Korean ramen spot, Ramen Alley, recently opened in Asiatown to give you the closest thing possible to a Korean convenience store experience. “Walking into Ramen Alley feels like an international trip.” Sign us up!

Rainbow crosswalks are back! Houston’s landmark pride crosswalks in Montrose were repainted last week after a few weeks of being removed due to construction. As Texas’ first pride crosswalk, the city stays dedicated to preserving the crosswalk.

Agnes and Sherman: comfortable—and comforting! Texas Monthly recently features Agnes and Sherman, the modern Asian American diner in its “Where to Eat Now” column online and in print. A mix of familiar and novel, Agnes and Sherman maintains the spirit of the diner while incorporating Asian and Texan inspiration.

OCTOBER LOOKING AHEAD

• 10/4-10/19: The Da Vinci Code at Alley Theatre

• 10/5: Shaboozey 

• 10/8: Drop the Needle with Tadaima at Hotel St. Augustine

• 10/9: Concert Under the Stars: Sinatra 

• 10/10: Sunset Bingo at Levy Park

• 10/11: Outdoor Jazz with DACAMERA at Menil Lawn

• 10/11: Oktoberfest at Biggio’s

• 10/11: Hocus Pocus (2025), meet the Sanderson sisters

• 10/12: Filipino American History Month Celebration

• 10/12: A Houston Market: Hello Kitty Edition

• 10/12: Pumpkin Patch Junk Journal meet-up

• 10/16: Party in the Park at Menil

• 10/17: The House of Pikachu: Art, Anime, and Pop Culture Opening Reception

• 10/18: Oktoberfest at POST

• 10/30: Movies Night on the Lawn: Beetlejuice 

• 10/31: DOECHII 

• 10/31: Halloween Bash at Axelrad

• 10/31: Mixers & Elixirs: Spirits and Skeletons

WEEKEND EVENTS

Thursday, 10/2

6pm-9pm, Art Preview | Special preview of Fractal Worlds at ARTECHOUSE. “Embark upon a cinematic audio-visual journey where the sheer beauty of mathematics, nature and architecture coincide to inspire introspection and awe.” RSVP.

8pm, Concert | Disclosure (Live) at Bayou Music Center. $50 and up.

Friday, 10/3

10am-5pm, Estate Sale | Huge music lover’s estate sale at Reeves Art + Design! Day 1.

5pm-8:30pm, Dancing | Happy Hour Friday featuring Tango Night! “A 30-minute introduction to tango at 5 p.m. is followed by open social dancing at 5:30 p.m.”

6pm, Workshop | Flower Workshop by Petals By Aya with J. Aimer Jewelry and Ceremonial Tea House. “Make a free flower arrangement, learn tips from a wedding florist, and enjoy a drink from Ceremonial Teahouse.” $85.

6:30pm-8:30pm, Loteria | Lotería Night Mean Girls Edition at Segundo Coffee Lab. $13.

11pm, After Party | Phantogram After Party Late Night DJ Set at Hotel St. Augustine. Free. RSVP.

Saturday, 10/4

10am-5pm, Estate Sale | Day 2 of huge music lover’s estate sale at Reeves Art + Design! 

2pm-4pm, Workshop | Junk Journal open studio event at CAMH. “Creatively recycle mixed media materials into collages on a small journal, inspired by the Teen Council 14th biennial exhibition, OUT OF STOCK, which includes artworks that question consumer culture.” Free.

4pm-6pm, Workshop | Autumn Floral Workshop at Eden. “You’ll learn essential floral care, design principles, and color theory while working with textures and shapes specific to the season.” $75 and up.

Sunday, 10/5

1:30pm-5pm, Live Music | Houston Jazz Piano Festival presented by Kawai piano gallery. $25.

3pm-4:30pm, Workshop | Sip & Script calligraphy event at Lyric Market. “Whether you’re a stationery nerd, DIY Bride-to-be, or just a crafty individual, in this workshop you’ll be learning an introduction to modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink.” $70.

4pm-8pm, Block Party | Pop Up on the Plaza at Midtown Park Plaza. “The best kept secret and perfect backdrop for an unforgettable afternoon of music, food, and local flavor!” Free.

8pm, Nightlife | Wine & Sage Night at Room 8o8. “The music is intentional, the music is different, and music is far from ordinary. A communal listening session if you will.” $6.

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